Watch These Firefighting Planes Dive in Close to Scoop Some Water

A GoPro user in southeastern France recorded an unusual sight: four CL-415 water bombers taking on water to fight wildfires burning out of control in the region.

Twitter user @niceamine06 recorded the CL-415s flying low over Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, scooping up water to fight local forest fires. The CL-415s are currently fighting wildfires across southeastern France and Corsica.

As David Cenciotti at The Aviationistpoints out, the planes are operated by France's Sécurité Civile, a civil defense agency that tackles diverse threats including forest fires and unexploded bombs left over from World War II. The Sécurité Civile operates a dozen CL-415s.

The CL-415 is an amphibious water bomber purpose-built to land in bodies of water, scoop up a bellyful of H20, and drop it on wildfires. The planes scoop up a full load of 1,692 gallons of water in just 12 seconds, which has earned it the nickname "SuperScooper." Alternately, the two-seater CL-415 can carry fire retardant.

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